BELIEVE AND GO

Introduction:

A. Coming to close of Mark.

1. We have witnessed the work of Jesus.

2. We have witnessed the life of Jesus.

3. We have witnessed the sacrifice of Jesus.

B. Any final thoughts?

Body: Mark 16: 9 - 20

I. The Reports of Witnesses not Believed.

A. Appears to Mary Magdalene.

1. She was the first to see the resurrected Jesus.
2. She had been relieved of seven demons.
3. The others did not believe her.

B. The Two Men.

1. Traveling to Emmaus.
2. Did not believe them.
C. Those who will be witnesses will not believe witnesses.

II. The Lord’s Rebuke.

A. Concerning their previous actions.

1. They had not believed.
2. Their hearts were hard - directly related to unbelief.

B. Concerning their mission.

1. They are to go, not stay.
2. They were to preach the gospel.
a. Salvation = believing and being baptized.
b. Condemnation = not believing.

C. Signs to follow believers.

1. In His Name.
2. Wondrous miracles - today also?
3. See verse 20!

III. This Work of Jesus Finished.

A. Rested from His "re-creative" work.

B. Went up to heaven.

C. Sat down by God.

Conclusion:

A. Do You Believe?

1. Not just mental assent.

2. Belief which leads to change of habit through a change of heart.

B. What unbelief still remains?